Match Reports

Livingston 4-1 Hearts

20th August 2014

Young Jambos exit cup at hands of Livi.

Hearts slipped to a heavy defeat at the Energy Assets Stadium as a well drilled Livingston team took advantage of the inexperience in the Jambos side to progress in the Second Round of the Petrofac Training Cup.

Robbie Neilsonmade 10 changes from the weekend's win over Hibs with only Jordan McGhee keeping his place in the side as Hearts looked to make full use of their squad.

To highlight the inexperience of the side, Hearts fielded no fewer than 5 debutants in the starting line-up, while Brad McKay was given the captain's armband in the heart of defence.

The Jambos got off to the worst possible start, however, when a succession of Livingston corners resulted in the opening goal of the match. Hearts failed to clear the corner kick and Jordan White netted from close range.

Hearts tried to respond, but were restricted to long-range efforts which Darren Jamieson did well to save, first from Scott Robinson and then from Liam Gordon. Despite the flurry, the Lions still looked the more threatening side.

David Robertson missed a golden chance with a header from 5 yards, before Danny Mullen rifled in a long-range effort that deflected onto the cross bar.

After the break, Hearts came close to equalising when David Smith got into the box but his goal bound effort was blocked before it reached the net.

In the last 15 minutes, the young Jambos suffered a minor collapse. During a counter attack, Kyle Jacobs showed great pace and delivered a superb cross and Jordan White headed home from close range.

Five minutes later, Miles Hippolyte collected the ball outside the area and drove a lovely left-footed effort into the bottom corner. Then, David Robertson was played through on goal and finished well to seal the victory for the home side.

Hearts managed a small glimmer of consolation as Jason Talbot netted at the wrong end to get the Jambos on the scoreboard.

However, that was merely small consolation as Livingston deservedly earned victory in a horrible evening for the Gorgie Boys.